Rising Tides and Sea Turtles

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Sea Turtle Report 7-16-26

During the month of July, the expected heavy rainfall along with high tides are beginning to impact nesting sea turtles in Marco Island. According to sea turtle experts, excessive rain can lead to flooding and erosion, which may disrupt and also affect hatchling survival. For July 2026, expected King tides occur around the new moon (July 5) and on July 20 (full moon).

King Tides are the highest tides of the year and can lead to coastal flooding and may affect nesting sites for sea turtles. It can inundate nesting areas, potentially over washing away nests and affecting hatchling survival rates. Many of the sea turtles on Sand Dollar Island nest at the bottom of the newly repaired berm, and heavy rain and high tides can completely cover or wash away sea turtle nests, making it hard for eggs to survive.

Once again, Marco was visited by a green sea turtle who false crawled into Sand Dollar Island and left its symmetrical flipper marks characterized by central tail drag marks. This helped sea turtle monitors JJ and her husband Robert identify her. In early July 2025, one green sea turtle false crawled in a remote part of Sand Dollar Island. According to the Sea Turtle Protection Program, in the 2025 season, twenty-five green sea turtle nests were documented, representing the highest number of green sea turtle nests recorded since the Sea Turtle Monitoring program began in 1994.

Nightly Activity Beach Report Update:

Month of May – Marco Island Police patrolled the Beach for 31 nights.

Month of June – Marco Island Police patrolled the Beach for 21 nights.

Month of July – July 1, 5, and 8 – as per the MIPD website (as of this report).

Detailed reports for April, May, June, and July are available at the MIPD website.